1117 5th Ave
Lyons, CO 80501

The culture among parents at the school is excellent. It's a small enough school where close friendships among students and parents can be formed and nurtured. The teachers are caring and knowledgeable and work together as a team. The IB program is a wonderful program that promotes learning of many topics and many cultures. Communication is a huge handicap of this school. My children have gone through this school and I'm not sure exactly what they did in class most years. First grade was the only grade that had a steady weekly newsletter go out to parents about what their students did that week. I had to constantly ask what my kids were doing and learning in class. Because of this poor communication style there is a big disconnect between parents and the school. There is a call for parent participation and funding but there is no genuineness or sincerity to help encourage a participation bond among the parents and their children's school beyond volunteer help and money. I don't think the current principle does a good job at promoting parent inclusiveness. I also wish he would put himself out there and inspire his staff and parents. I wish he would go the extra mile to help parents of kids who are struggling. It would be nice if he could be more vocal, encouraging, and up front about making parents and students feel welcome. I love that this school has a Community School where parents can volunteer to teach to the kids. Craft classes and other classes are a great way to get kids learning beyond the classroom. The school library is wonderful and always getting in updated books. The librarian is always smiling and kind. It is a well curated sanctuary for learning!The G/T program is mediocre. The process is confusing and once a child does get in there is no communication about what the G/T teacher does with them in the classroom. Overall, this is a good school with great teachers. The culture among parents is welcoming and the embracing of all cultures and differences is very, very comforting. The atmosphere is compassionate with an emphasis on kindness. It is a wonderful school and I hope new leadership in the upcoming years will bring new opportunities and new life to this beautiful school.

The administration seems more focused on enforcing pointless rules than actually supporting students. Teachers are hit or miss—some genuinely care, but many just seem burned out or uninterested. Communication is terrible, especially when it comes to grades or important updates. The mental health resources are basically non-existent, and the school culture overall feels toxic and cliquey. If you're expecting support, creativity, or growth here, lower your expectations. A lot needs to change. Unfortunately, my experience with Principal Jeff McMurry was disappointing. From the start, their attitude came across as arrogant and dismissive. Rather than fostering a welcoming and respectful environment, he often speaks in a condescending tone, making both students and parents feel unheard and undervalued. A principal should lead by example—showing respect, humility, and care for the school community—but that was not what I witnessed at Longmont High School.

Bad school. Too much work. It is really hard to learn here